A simple poll

[hollodero]

(10-27-2016, 02:49 PM)Benton Wrote: I think Ross Perot changed in regard to perception that you have to belong to either side. That's opened the door for third party candidates at the local level, and for reform efforts within one of the parties (the tea party).

Hm, there seems to be some truth to that.
Although, as you pointed out yourself, reform efforts always existed (when a party loses votes to another).
I'd still assume Perot's biggest impact was to secure Clinton the presidency - as it was Nader's biggest impact to secure the Bush presidency (now that one's true).

(10-27-2016, 02:49 PM)Benton Wrote: as far as voter turnout, half not showing up isn't a sign of dissatisfaction that's a sign of disinterest. If your job is to make sure your party's candidates are reelected, you don't care about people who aren't going to negatively impact you. It's the same whether there's 10 people participating or 10,000 or 10 million.

I'd say it's mostly a sign of resignation.
As to your other point - can't the same be said about third party voters? You might not care about Johnson voters just as you might not care about non-voters. They do not hurt - or negatively impact - you either.